Linen Tea Towels by Libeco

Linen Tea Towels by Libeco

Sag Harbor: Pure grey stripe sitting on an oyster ground makes a statement of simplicity. Named after the small Long Island village of Sag Harbor (which is a gallery girl fave!). Dimensions: 23" x 28"

Kalahari: A central flax stripe on an oyster ground. This design is simple, elegant and timeless. Named after the Kalahari Desert in Southern Africa. The fabric is pure linen, with a slightly vintage feel about it. Dimensions: 23" x 28"

Flax has been farmed and linen fabrics woven in Flanders for centuries. By the 18th century, Meulebeke, situated near Kortrijk, had emerged as one of the villages with the largest linen production. By the 1800's, there were dozens of weaving firms operating in and around Meulebeke. Of these, only two remained: Libeco and Lagae Linens.

The first information on Libeco dates from 1864. At that time, the company was a collecting point and warehouse for pure linen fabrics produced in the homes of the cottage workforce of the region. From this first warehouse, the woven goods were transported by handcart to Kortrijk, where they were dyed and sold. By 1904, a production facility had been established and the factory had begun to install power looms; by the end of the first World War, 140 looms were in operation. Fine quality, pure linen fabrics and linen-cotton blends were produced for sheets and table coverings. Even then, exports were important to the firm, especially to South America. World War II heralded a difficult period for the company.

After the Second World War, Belgian weavers joined forces to found the Belgian Flax and Linen Association. In 1960, they created the Belgian Linen quality label to highlight the unique qualities of Belgian linen. Linen fabrics carrying this label contain a minimum of 85% European flax fiber and are woven in Belgium. These products have a certificate of origin allowing them to be traced to their source. This is your guarantee of Belgian linen of the highest quality.

In 2006, Libeco was awarded the title of Purveyor to the Royal Court. In 2013, this license was reaffirmed under King Philippe. We are proud to hold this title and see it as a recognition of the quality and service that we strive for every day.

The CELC, or "Confédération Européenne du Lin et du Chanvre," is a European association whose members cover all stages of linen and hemp production in Western Europe. Members have to meet strict quality requirements and undergo annual inspections. The CELC's Masters of Linen Label is only awarded to linen fabrics produced in the EU from fiber to woven product. All Libeco fabrics carry this label.

Since early 2014, Libeco's weaving mill has been fully CO2-neutral. In June 2014, Libeco was awarded a C2C Certified Silver Label for all loomstate linen fabrics.